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Pilot In Command Jobs in Wichita Falls, TX (NOW HIRING)

Pilot In Command information

See Wichita Falls, TX salary details

$48.2K

$127.4K

$195.6K

How much do pilot in command jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for pilot in command in Wichita Falls, TX is $127,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,300.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pilot In Command vs Co-Pilot?

AspectPilot In CommandCo-Pilot
CertificationsCommercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificateCommercial Pilot License (CPL), often with additional type ratings
Work EnvironmentLeads flight operations, makes final decisions, responsible for safetyAssists Pilot In Command, manages navigation and communication tasks
Roles & ResponsibilitiesOverall flight responsibility, decision-making authoritySupports Pilot In Command, shares flying duties

The Pilot In Command holds the primary responsibility for flight safety and decision-making, while the Co-Pilot assists and shares flying duties. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Pilot In Command has ultimate authority and accountability during flights.

What are the responsibilities of a pilot in command?

A Pilot In Command (PIC) is the person legally responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. The PIC has final authority over all decisions related to the flight, including navigation, communication, and emergency procedures. This role involves pre-flight planning, ensuring compliance with aviation regulations, and managing the crew and passengers. The PIC must also assess weather conditions, check the aircraft's mechanical status, and coordinate with air traffic control to ensure a safe and efficient flight.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pilot in command, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pilot In Command, you need advanced aeronautical knowledge, an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, and significant flight hours. Mastery of avionics systems, flight management computers, and navigation tools is standard, along with recurrent simulator training. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills are essential for managing crew and ensuring passenger safety. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safe, efficient flight operations and effective handling of in-flight challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by a pilot in command during multi-crew operations?

As a Pilot In Command (PIC) in multi-crew operations, one of the main challenges is effective communication and decision-making under time pressure. The PIC must balance delegating tasks while maintaining overall responsibility for flight safety and compliance with regulations. Managing workload, especially during irregular operations or emergencies, requires strong leadership and trust within the crew. Additionally, adapting to varying personalities and experience levels among crew members is essential to ensure smooth collaboration and safe outcomes.

What does a pilot in command do?

A pilot in command is responsible for the safety and operation of the aircraft during flight. They make decisions, navigate, communicate with air traffic control, and ensure compliance with regulations, often holding certifications such as an Airline Transport Pilot license. The pilot in command oversees crew and passenger safety throughout the flight.

How much do pilots in command make?

Pilots in command, also known as captains, typically earn between $80,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on factors such as airline, experience, aircraft type, and flight hours. Experienced captains flying for major airlines or on long-haul international routes tend to earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and per diem allowances.
What are popular job titles related to Pilot In Command jobs in Wichita Falls, TX? For Pilot In Command jobs in Wichita Falls, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Wichita Falls, TX are hiring for Pilot In Command jobs? Cities near Wichita Falls, TX with the most Pilot In Command job openings:
Infographic showing various Pilot In Command job openings in Wichita Falls, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,429 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

AIRPLANE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

US Department of the Air Force

Sheppard Air Force Base, TX • On-site

$113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information.
The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an aircraft, simulator and academic instructor for AETC Flying Training programs. To serve as an Instructor Pilot/Pilot in Command during student flying and simulator training missions and to provide instruction to rated pilots in methods of instruction and to evaluate their proficiency to engage in flight instruction.Qualifications:Conditions of Employment Continued:
  1. Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.

Note: Candidates establishing eligibility based on military flight experience must provide official orders, forms, or logbooks showing their status as a rated military pilot, flight instructor, or flight examiner, as appropriate. Other certificates that meet or exceed the requirements of the Commercial Pilot Certificate are also acceptable, e.g., an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements Minimum eligibility requirements for positions in this occupation are based on possession of the appropriate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates and/or appropriate military ratings, meeting the applicable flight hour requirements, and possession of the knowledge and skills required for the positions.
AND
Certificates and Ratings: For all grade levels and specializations, candidates must possess a current Commercial Pilot Certificate or the appropriate military rating; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the military rating, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. For flight instructor positions, the FAA Flight Instructor Certificate or the military equivalent rating is also required. The pilot certificate must include the rating(s) appropriate to the work of the position to be filled. For example, a position that involves flying a multi-engine airplane to various destinations under instrument flight rules would require the Commercial Pilot Certificate with the airplane, multi-engine, and instrument ratings or appropriate U.S. military ratings. Positions that require flying or instructing in flying both airplanes and helicopters require a rating in both categories. Only those ratings necessary to perform the work are required.
Flight Experience: Candidates must demonstrate possession of the knowledge and skills required for the work by meeting certain minimum flight hour requirements, including recency of flight experience. The categories in which candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency relate to (1) the general knowledge and skills to pilot the aircraft, and (2) the specific knowledge and skills related to the particular position being filled. Only that flight experience that is directly related to the work of the position is required for purposes of establishing minimum eligibility.
Minimum Flight Hour Requirements: The following flight hour requirements apply to all applicants:
  1. Total Flight Time -- Flight time as pilot-in-command or copilot in aircraft of any weight or category is creditable for this requirement. For in-service placements actions, up to one-fourth of the total flight hours may by waived for candidates who have demonstrated possession of the knowledge and skills needed to perform the work, provided:
  2. They hold the certificates and ratings required;
    • They have acquired the pilot-in-command hours and flight hours in other categories essential to performance of the work;
    • They meet the requirements in terms of level and quality of experience; and
    • Their flying history indicates they are qualified for the position.
  3. Pilot-In-Command -- Only flight hours acquired as pilot-in-command are creditable.
Requirements: GS-11 and Above (Hours):
  • Total Flight Time 1500
  • Pilot-In-Command 250
  • Flying Time, Last 12 months 100
  • Night Flying 75
  • For Instructor Time, 500 Instructor hours is required
  • Instrument 75
  • Multi-Engine Airplane 500 HOURS
Note: You must submit proof of Flight Hours Note: General Military Flight Experience and Training: Flight experience and training (not to include solely simulator training gained in the armed services of the United States of elsewhere). Applicants who have flight experience and training, may have up to 50% of the total flight hour requirement waived. Complex Aircraft Flight Instructor Experience: Applicants who have experience as an instructor in the operation of complex aircraft, may have up to 20% of the instructor flight hour requirement waived. Multi-engine Aircraft Time: Applicants who have experience flying multi-engine aircraft, may have up to 20% of the multi-engine flight hour requirement waived. Night Vision Device Operations: Applicants who have flown under night vision device operations, may have 20% of their total flight hours waived.
Medical Requirements: At the time of initial appointment, candidates for all pilot positions must possess a current first or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations; both meet the intent of the requirement. If an agency decides, for example, not to accept the second-class medical certificate, the rationale for the decision should be based upon the requirements of the position and should be thoroughly described in agency operating material. Staff specialists not involved in the operation of aircraft need only have a medical examination indicating that they are able to perform the duties of the position to be filled. For flight test pilots, airspace system inspection pilots, and Customs pilots, all candidates must possess a current first-class medical certificate at the time of appointment.
FEDERAL TIME-IN-GRADE (TIG) REQUIREMENT FOR GENERAL SCHEDULE (GS) POSITIONS: Merit promotion applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. TIG applies if you are in a current GS position or held a GS position within the previous 52 weeks. NOTE: Applicants applying as VEOA candidates who are current GS civil service employees or are prior GS civil service employees within the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
  1. Knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures, aerodynamics, flying fundamentals, aircraft instrumentation, aerobatic maneuvers, close formation flying, high-speed low-level flight, ground and flight emergency procedures, and instrument and visual flight rules, as well as knowledge of the operation, characteristics, and limitations of assigned aircraft.
  2. Knowledge of the rules, concepts, techniques, procedures, and operations of flying training programs and objectives related to combat systems training.
  3. Knowledge of effective training principles, techniques, and tools required to develop, instruct, evaluate, improve, and conduct training.
  4. Skill in demonstrating flying procedures and maneuvers in a unit aircraft.
  5. Ability to formulate plans and courses pertaining to flying operations and unit flying training activities.
  6. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, to include public speaking before large and small audiences.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER